Best Top 10 Baby Registry Picks

Building a baby registry can be downright overwhelming when every single product page screams, "this is a must-have". We're here to cut through all the noise with our top 10 baby registry picks. View the baby essentials you really need, in the order that makes the most sense. Check out our comprehensive newborn checklist for even more registry inspiration to get you and your loved ones ready for what's next.

Check out our newborn checklist for more registry inspiration to help you remember to put everything on your baby gift registry for your baby shower. 

1. Baby Stroller: Your Best Friend For Years to Come

A stroller is one of the biggest investments you'll make on your baby registry, and it's a good bet that it'll be the item you use most. Most parents swear by their stroller for errands, walks, travel, and even just napping on the go.

Stroller types worth knowing

Your lifestyle determines the right stroller more than any brand name:

A stroller comes with a one-step fold that is able to compact down for easy transport or storage. Strollers are flexible to a parents needs. Adjustable seat options, piggyback attachments to transport another child or bassinet attachment are available on your stroller brand.

Current strollers allow for you to have two rear or forward facing seats that recline for the toddlers in the family. It comes available with a 50+ sunshade and a ventilated canopy that is able to extend across the top of your child for added protection in the sun. Complete with an aluminium frame, it provides lightweight handling and easy manoeuvrability. 

Compatibility with a car seat is a real winner during the newborn phase. Being able to transfer a sleeping baby from car to stroller without waking them up is a lifesaver, and something that parents swear is worth the extra cost. Plus, piggyback boards or second seats make it easy to support an older kid later if you choose a modular stroller.

Must-have stroller features

• A one-step fold that stands up on its own (because you're gonna be doing this one-handed while holding a baby)

• Good suspension and maneuverability for those crazy sidewalks or rough roads

• A UPF 50+ sunshade with a ventilated canopy that extends for extra protection

• A large, easy-to-access storage basket underneath

• Easy-to-clean, removable and washable fabrics

Register for stroller accessories that actually get used daily, including a rain cover, cup holder, and stroller organizer. Skip the bulky extras unless you know your routine demands them.

A stroller can be compact, lightweight and portable to make travelling easy for the bus too!  Shop for a popular stroller now to add to your baby registry. 

2) Baby Carrier: Hands-Free Comfort from Newborn Phase On

A good baby carrier is a must have for new mums and dads! As parents and owners of Active Baby, we hand pick the most useful baby carrier brands to meet your lifestyle. Generally, Baby Carriers are made from 100% cotton canvas and quality fabrics and come in a wide range of fun prints and colours. 

A baby carrier is something you'll be wishing you'd gotten sooner rather than later, especially in the fourth trimester. It lets you keep baby close by while you cook dinner, walk the dog, or wrangle your other kids, all hands-free. You'll be glad you got one, trust me. New parents often don't realize just how much they need this kind of baby gear until they're stuck trying to find a way to eat a sandwich while juggling a snoozing infant.

Different Carrier Styles: What Each Does Well

• Soft Structured Carrier (SSC): These have a padded waist belt and shoulder straps that adjust to fit different body types. You can often get a newborn insert to go with it, too. They do a bit of everything, daily use from birth to toddler years, and some even let you carry the baby on your front, back, or even side (hips, yes!).

• Wrap: It's basically a long piece of fabric you tie around your body to carry your baby in. They're super snug for newborns who need that extra support, and they're great for keeping baby close to your chest for skin-to-skin contact. The only catch is, you need to figure out how to master the wrap technique.

• Ring Sling: Easy peasy to put on, adjustable, and good for just a quick pop out for some errands. The trade-off is that it's not got quite the same level of weight distribution as an SSC, so you might not want to use it for a long day out with the big kids.

Must-Haves Baby Carrier for Safety & Comfort

When you're carrying baby around, always follow these simple rules - TICKS: Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off chest, and Supported back. You want to make sure the carrier you choose has that 'M' shape for baby's legs (knees above hips) and proper head and neck support, especially for those early months.

Adjustability is non-negotiable. You need a carrier that fits all the caregivers in the house comfortably. And, of course, it's got to be comfy & breathable, not to mention easy to clean. You might as well go for eco-friendly fabrics that are certified to OEKO-TEX or GOTS standards while you're at it.

Grab at least one good sturdy carrier that'll last for years to come, and if you're feeling fancy, add a soft wrap for those early snuggly months. Add-ons like drool pads or weather covers can come late. Just make sure you've got the main carrier sorted first.

A Baby Carrier can be available in two sizes, Standard (Baby) and Toddler and are made to allow for easy breastfeeding too. View individual baby carriers now. Shop for a baby carrier now to add to your baby registry. 

3. Infant Car Seat (and When to Consider a Convertible Car Seat)

A car seat is a non-negotiable safety item. An infant car seat is necessary for hospital release and baby safety during travel. You literally cannot bring your baby home without one properly installed. This should be one of the first things added to any registry checklist.

Infant car seat vs. convertible car seat

A car seat is a total safety no-brainer. You can't bring your baby home from the hospital without one properly installed. So, this is one of the first things you should add to your registry.

Infant car seat vs. convertible car seat

An infant car seat is only good for rear-facing, doubles as a carrier, and usually comes with a base that stays in the car. It's lighter, portable and part of a travel system. Most babies use one from birth until about 9-18 months, depending on how fast they grow.

A convertible car seat can be used rear-facing from infancy and then flipped to forward-facing as they get older. They're heavier, less convenient for carrying, but they last way longer and can be a cost-saver in the long run. The current AAP guidance is all about keeping kids rear-facing for as long as possible, so long as they fit within the seat's height and weight limits.

If budget is a concern and you don't need to carry the seat around a lot, a convertible car seat from birth is a perfectly valid choice. If convenience during the early days is a top priority, start with an infant car seat and plan to register for a convertible car seat later.

What to look for in a car seat?

• Current safety certifications (keep an eye out for FMVSS 213-2026 on the newer models)

• Clear installation indicators and level guides

• Multiple recline positions for growing babies

• No-rethread harness, so you can fiddle with the straps easily

• Side-impact protection that's got energy

• Machine-washable covers you can chuck in the washing machine without worrying about ruining them.

Consider adding a second base for another caregiver's car. Just remember to only go with manufacturer-approved extras. Aftermarket mods can compromise safety and crash protection. Don't buy a used car seat that's got some shady history behind it. Always get a brand new one.

A car seat is by far one of the most important purchases to make for the little one on the way. Finding the perfect car seat can be such a struggle, but look no further; adding your preferred car seat to your registry will put your mind at ease. With all the safety and comfort features you could ask for and the lightest and sleekest design out there, Active Baby has all the best car seats in Canada to buy online now.

Choose from the top recommendations for infant car seats that attach to a stroller, or convertible car seats that stay permanently in the car and ready to go, or options for high back booster seats that grow with your baby. Shop for a car seat now to add to your baby registry.

4) Safe Sleep Setup: Baby Crib, Bassinet, and Sleep Essentials

Safe sleep is the one baby registry area where less is truly more. Don't bother with all the fancy nursery extras. You just need a safe sleep space and a couple of key textiles. And by 'safe sleep space', I mean something that's been certified for overnight use.

Choosing Your Sleep Surface

• Full-size Crib: The one that'll last you the longest. A convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed (or even a day bed sometimes) is the way to go for years of use and real savings.

• Mini Crib: Smaller footprint, perfect for tiny rooms. Some even convert to a toddler bed, just like the full-size ones.

• Bassinet: Great for room-sharing in the early months when space is a premium. The AAP recommends room-sharing (not bed-sharing) for at least the first six months.

To ensure safety, make sure the crib or bassinet is JPMA-certified, and the mattress is firm and flat with just a two-finger gap between it and the crib sides.

The Essentials for Safe Sleep

• A firm crib mattress (no memory foam or soft toppers allowed)

• 3-4 decent fitted crib sheets that meet the latest safety standards

• A waterproof mattress protector (put that under the fitted sheet)

• Bassinet for early-month room-sharing (if you're not starting in the crib)

Pillows, bumpers, loose blankets, and inclined sleepers are not recommended. Instead, register for wearable blankets or sleep sacks that keep baby warm without loose bedding. A sound machine helps babies sleep better by mimicking womb sounds, making it a useful addition to the sleep setup. Place it at least seven feet from baby's head and keep volume at or below 50 decibels.

Add a touch of comfort and uniqueness to your bedroom or nursery with a cute baby crib. Add fitted sheets and nursery decoration for a cute room design. With a variety of patterns and baby bassinet, baby cradle and baby cribs to choose from, you can mix and match to create the nursery that suits your style best. Shop for baby cribs now to add to your baby registry.

5) Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is like having a bit of extra peace of mind, especially in multi-story houses or if your baby's sleeping in a separate room. While it's not strictly essential, it's one of those things that new parents are always asking for in surveys.

Baby Monitor types at a glance

Keep an eye on baby while they are sleeping. A baby monitor is a great way to hear, and watch from a distance how your baby is sleeping and falling asleep.  Baby monitors are very popular grey colour. Do yourself a favour and add a baby monitor to your registry for peace of mind. 

Video baby monitors give parents the peace of mind that comes with being able to keep an eye on their baby from another room. For most people, a video monitor with good low-light vision, plenty of range, and a temperature display that doesn't get too hot is all they need. And when your baby gets a bit older, the talk back feature is nice to have. It can really help calm them down with a familiar voice.

Pairing a baby monitor with a white noise machine

To make sure your baby gets a good night's sleep, pair a baby monitor with a white noise machine. Either choose a machine that comes with a dedicated sound system or pick a good quality monitor with built-in white noise. White noise machines mimic the kind of sounds your baby would have heard in the womb, which can be super soothing, while drowning out all the other distracting noises in the house, whether that's the dog barking or the doorbell ringing.

But remember, use it responsibly. Keep the volume down to about 50 decibels (that's roughly the level of a quiet conversation) and put the machine a good distance from your baby's ears. And consider using a timer or auto-off feature so it only kicks in when your baby is actually asleep.

6) Baby Swing Or Baby Bouncer

Get a high-quality baby swing or baby bouncer that can keep your baby occupied while you are making dinner or folding the laundry.   Shop for baby swing or a baby bouncer now to add to your baby registry.

7) Swaddles, Blankets, and Baby Clothes Must-Haves

Baby clothes are almost always a popular gift. But often people get the sizes wrong, and you end up with a ton of adorable outfits that your baby just can't wear yet.

Swaddles and wearable blankets

Swaddles and wearable blankets can save you money in the long run (because you can use them for multiple things) and really help with sleep:

• Muslin or bamboo blankets: These are the ultimate multi-taskers - you can use them to swaddle, cover the stroller, nurse, use as a light blanket, or even as a tummy time mat.

• Structured swaddles: These are great for the first few weeks when your baby is all sticky and squirmy. They help your baby sleep better and are super easy to get into at 3 am.

• Sleep sacks / wearable blankets: These are especially useful once your baby starts rolling over and gets a bit bigger. They keep them warm without the risk of getting tangled up.

Baby clothes wardrobe guide

Don't bother registering for loads of onesies in newborn size - your baby will outgrow them in no time. Instead, focus on onesies in 0-3 and 3-6 month sizes. Here's a rough guide on what to get:

Work out how your due date is going to impact the weather and plan accordingly. If you're having a fall baby, for example, you'll need plenty of warm onesies for the winter months.

Complementary baby clothing accessories that work 

• Lots of little no-scratch mittens and the right hat for the season will keep your baby happy and comfortable.

• And finally, loads of high-quality bibs and burp cloths, the kind that can withstand a good scrub, are an absolute must. You'd be amazed at how often your baby will spit up or drool, so be prepared!

• Socks that actually stay on. You'll find these with elastic or fold-over cuffs

All the Belan J swaddle blankets and swaddle wraps are available in fashion forward prints that are perfect for swaddling a newborn, for loosely covering a stroller or car seat while baby sleeps or as a lightweight blanket for the future! These muslin swaddle blankets are made using rayon from bamboo fibers, and are also extra large, so that new and seasoned parents alike can swaddle babies of all sizes with ease. Shop for swaddle blankets now to add to your baby registry. 

8) Bath Time Basics: Baby Bathtub and Bath Accessories

Having a dedicated baby bathtub and a few simple accessories makes first baths a lot safer and less stressful. Bathing gear is also a good choice for baby shower gifts. It's practical, useful and easy for friends and family to pick up from the registry

What to look for in a baby bathtub

• A non-slip surface and a newborn support sling or insert, so you can have a bit of breathing room

• Something that fits in a standard sink or bathtub

• An easy-drain plug

• Not too big, so you can stash it in a bathroom cabinet without it taking over

Newborn babies get sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump drops off (which usually happens in the first one to three weeks). After that, a baby bathtub is used until baby can sit up on their own, around 6–9 months.

Must-have bath accessories

• Gentle, fragrance-free baby wash/shampoo for sensitive skin (one bottle goes a long way)

• A whole bunch of soft washcloths (you'll need loads of these)

• 2 or 3 hooded towels, which you'll probably end up needing in bulk

Once baby moves to the big tub, chuck in a non-slip mat and an inexpensive faucet cover for protection against bumps. Bath toys can wait until 4–6 months when baby is better at playing and interacting, a simple starter set makes a nice gift for older babies who are ready to splash around.

Safety first, find a good baby babytub and baby bath accessories now to help your baby enjoy bath time!   Shop for baby bath tub now to add to your baby registry. 

9) Baby Books & Baby Journals to Capture Memories

You should totally get at least one or two baby books with some guided prompts - pages for all the firsts, funny things baby says, letters to baby - you name it. The good ones are designed with busy parents in mind and keep entries nice and short, so you won't get overwhelmed & actually end up using the thing.

Board books and first baby toys

A little library of some sturdy board books and a few simple, high-contrast toys will do a lot to encourage early language and sensory development, right from birth all the way through 6 months. And as an added bonus, the AAP says you should be reading to babies from day one.

Made with busy mums in mind, these baby books make writing down moments and details as simple as possible. We love how easy the writing prompts are to fill out, it makes remembering those details that much simpler and completely personalized. Pages such as "Big News, Firsts, & A Letter from me to You" are just some of our favourites. You’ll love looking back at all of the memories when your little one grows up and reflect on the moments that you captured in your Mushy Book. Shop all the baby books now! 

10) Diapering Essentials (Diaper Bag, Diaper Rash Care, and More)

We all know that diapering essentials are among the most popular items on a baby registry - and with good reason, since you're likely to be changing your baby's diapers a whole lot in those first few months. Babies can need up to a dozen diaper changes a day, so this is an area where you might really appreciate some help from friends and family.

Core diapering gear to register for

• Diapers: Disposable or cloth, you'll need to decide. Some families swear by cloth for financial and environmental reasons. When it comes to registering for diapers, consider just getting sizes 1 and 2. Most babies grow out of the newborn size pretty quickly.

• Wipes: Get fragrance-free, water-based ones in bulk. You'll be amazed at how quickly you go through them.

• Diaper cream: Zinc oxide is the standard stuff that'll help prevent and treat diaper rash. Get more than one tube, just in case.

• Changing pad: A changing pad is an absolute must for safe diaper changes, plus get a few waterproof covers so you can just toss them in the wash when they get soiled.

• Diaper pail: A diaper pail can be a lifesaver, keeping odours contained when you've got a bunch of little ones running around. It's not a must-have, but it can be a real sanity-saver.

The right diaper bag

When it comes to a diaper bag, you want one that's sturdy and well-organized. A backpack style is usually a good bet, with lots of little pockets for all the things you need to carry around. Consider one with a wipeable inside, comfy straps, and stroller clips to make life with your baby a bit easier.

Also, think about tossing in a little portable changing mat or changing clutch that can clip onto your stroller. It's not glamorous, but it's really useful when you need it.

Washable diapers can save you up to $2500 on your first baby and more savings on siblings. Plus with the environmental factor of plastic diapers in the landfill,  choosing a washable diaper is a good choice. Plus you will never run out. Simply wash and go with washable diapers. Get the Diaper bag, change mat, diaper pail and diaper wipes online now to complete the process.  Our stylish diaper bags looks stylish and comes with a side carry strap for easy use. Shop for your diaper bag and washable diaper accessories now. 

BONUS

Reuseable Swim Diaper

You baby will love to splash in the water. Regular plastic diapers just get soggy and you waste money everytime they get wet. Instead, buy the reuseable swim diaper that you can use over and over everytime you are in the water.  Effective and simple to use.  With fun design and colours choices too. Shop for a swim diaper now to add to your baby registry.